Two old stalwarts lead Ducks past Colorado

"We started competing better," Boudreau said. "We were shooting the puck, getting it deep and staying out of the penalty box. Those are four key ingredients if you want to be successful."

Selanne moved him into third place on that all-time list behind Dave Andreychuk and Brett Hull but the Avalanche re-took the lead on John Mitchell's goal that Hiller would want back. Hiller did keep the Ducks in it early with several big stops among his 20 saves.

Getzlaf tied the game in the third period as the Ducks captain pounced on a loose puck that sat in the crease behind Giguere after he made a save on a point shot by Francois Beauchemin. Beauchemin had a career-high four assists.

Selanne speculated on a pretty strong reason why Getzlaf appears to be a different player this season.

"Is this the last year of his contract?" Selanne asked with a big smile, referring to his teammate's status as a potential unrestricted free agent. "Did I really say that?"

Turning more serious, Selanne sees a player competing at an elite level.

"Obviously everybody has bad seasons," he said. "I think that really bothered him last year. It was time to bounce back. I've always said he can be the best player in the league if he wants. And he needs to learn to play every night.

"He can be MVP of this league if he wants. The way he plays right now, it's unbelievable. But don't tell him."

BURKE LOOKS AHEAD

Brian Burke was back at the place where he hoisted the Stanley Cup nearly six years ago as the Ducks' general manager but the tough-talking executive is happy to play a supporting role as a part-time pro scout for the club.

It is a comfortable landing spot for Burke, who was fired by Toronto as president and GM before the lockout-shortened season started last month. He made clear who is in charge while he waits for potential GM openings.

"It's a familiar feeling to walk back in the building," Burke said. "I have a lot of respect for Bob Murray. I do. I think he's a real good hockey guy and we've worked together. Worked in Vancouver, worked here.

"I think he's an excellent GM. I hope my experience can help him at some points. It's nice to be back."

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